---
I didn't need to ask where she was taking me.
Elira's grip was firm, but not urgent. No words. No glance back. Just her hand in mine, her stride quiet but determined as we left the others behind in the living room.
I looked over my shoulder once. Sora had curled into the corner of the couch with Rin holding her, eyes still glistening from Kikoru's mom's death scene. Akane was sprawled dramatically across my abandoned seat, still sniffling like she had lost a family member. Mei had her phone out again, probably queuing up episode four already.
But Elira… she hadn't said a word all night.
Not when Akane took my lap.
Not when Sora cracked.
Not even when I caught her watching me during the ending credits, something unreadable flickering behind those pale violet eyes.
And now, she was pulling me down the hall like she'd been waiting all evening for this exact moment.
